Looking for some amazing knit knee high socks patterns? You’ll find an awesome collection here – lacy, colorful, basic and more!
What’s the deal with knee high socks? Are they in right now or have they gone out of fashion? You know what, actually, I don’t care! I’ve always been a huge fan of knee high socks and I don’t see that changing any time soon! Who’s with me?
There are so many reasons to love knee high socks, but coziness is obviously number one! Cuteness is pretty high up there too though, because what’s the point of knitting socks that stay hidden in your shoes all day? I especially love to wear knee high socks with boots and a skirt, because I love to rock the layered look during the cooler months. Plus, wearing knee high socks is a total conversation starter. The conversation always starts with “I love your socks!”
But how do you knit knee high socks? And is it hard to knit knee high socks? Trust me, you don’t have to be a knitting whiz to master the art of the knee high sock. We have a ton of free knit knee high socks patterns for beginners as well as more complicated patterns for all you experienced knitters out there.
If you’re new to the world of sock knitting, then you might be wondering what all this business is about knitting the socks from the top down or the toe up. Neither way is better or worse, it all just comes down to preference. Try them both and see which way you like better! I’ve also tried to include the heel construction method for each design, for those that prefer one specific method over the others.
You might be wondering how to make knee high socks stay up. After all, no one likes saggy socks! Rest assured, many of the free knit knee high socks patterns we’ll be featuring today include tips and tricks for helping the socks stay up. Some designs incorporate ribbing into the cuffs, while others rely on shaping or elastic to get the job done.
Do you have to use sock yarn to knit socks? Nope! The free knit knee high socks patterns we have in store for you today employ a wide variety of yarn sizes and yarn types. There are also plenty of design elements to choose from. So whether you like a single color sock, a stripey sock, a cabled sock, a smooth sock, or a lace sock – we’ve got you covered! Don’t believe me? Well, I guess you’ll just have to scroll down and see for yourself!!
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Tips for Knitting Knee High Socks
Sock knitting is an art unto itself. It’s amazing the range of colors, sizes and patterns you can knit for socks! The tips for knitting knee high socks are really the same as for all other socks, they are just taller (for the most part!).
First, make sure you are choosing a yarn that can withstand the wear and tear normally given to socks. They withstand a lot, so unless you are planning on just wearing them around the house to keep your feet cozy (which is totally okay, too!), then you’ll need a good yarn that will wear well. Yarns especially made for sock knitting will be great.
Pay special attention to the heel and toe areas. These are the two places that socks will get stressed the most, so you might want to reinforce those heels and toes to make sure they can hold up. It takes a lot of work to knit knee high socks, so you want to make sure those hours are spent on something that is going to last.
If you’re knitting from the top down, make sure you don’t cast on too tightly. There are great elastic cast on techniques that can help keep you from having the top of your sock too tight.
To make the foot part of the sock fit more snugly, knit the foot portion of the sock on knitting needles a size smaller than the pattern calls for. Make sure to change needle size after the foot, though, so the top of your sock isn’t too tight!
Finally, take care when washing and drying your hand knit socks. It’s always best to dry them flat, as the dryer can make the fibers break down. I usually wash them the way the yarn label recommends, but then I will lie flat to dry.
25 Free Knit Knee High Socks Patterns You NEED To Make
1. Basic 4ply Knee High Socks
One of the most fun things about free knit knee high socks patterns is picking out the yarn! Tall socks really show off all the lovely colors in a self striping sock yarn. This design is worked from the cuff down using the heel flap method for the heel. The ribbing along the leg and calf shaping help keep the socks in place.
Designer: Winwick Mum
Yarn: West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4 ply (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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2. Fingering Toe-Up Magic Loop Socks
Even the most basic sock pattern will look stunning with the right yarn. This beginner-friendly pattern is available in 3 sizes. The design features the famous Fleegle heel and it uses the magic loop method. If you aren’t a fan of fiddling around with your double pointed needles, then give this one a try!
Designer: KnitFreedom
Yarn: Zwerger Garn Opal Hundertwasser 4-ply (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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3. Little Cable Knee Highs
Subtle cable detailing on the backs of the calves of these knee high socks makes them feel just a bit fancy. I love the neutral gray used here, because it pairs well with so many outfits. The design is worked from the toe up and it uses the heel flap method for the heel. The ribbed fold over cuff gives these socks a nice secure hold on your upper calf.
Designer: Purl Soho
Yarn: Anzula Squishy (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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4. Basic Knee High Toe Up Socks
Many knitters prefer free knit knee high socks patterns that are worked from the toe up. This allows you to try the socks on as you go and ensure a good fit. This design also includes helpful tips for customizing the fit every step of the way – toe shape, foot width, foot length, gusset, and heel.
Designer: Single Stitch
Yarn: Knit Picks Felici (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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5. Joanna’s Cozy Knee Socks
Of course, there’s no rule that says you have to use sock yarn for socks. Patterns that call for dk weight yarn can be a little easier and they also work up much more quickly than their sock yarn counterparts. This design is worked from the top down and it features an afterthought heel. If you wear through the heel before you wear out the sock, you can just knit a new heel!
Designer: Slate Falls Press
Yarn: Patons North America Kroy Socks (Sport Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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6. Long Socks with Cables
If you are a serious sock knitter then you need a nice intricate pattern that you can really sink your teeth into! This gorgeous cable design is worked from the top down and it employs a heel gusset. Both written and charted instructions are available. The cablework is such a lovely way to add more interest to a monochrome design!
Designer: Novita Knits
Yarn: Novita 7 Veljestä Solids (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
Scroll down and click the link titled “Pattern Instructions”
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7. Hotspot
A geometric layout is accented by floral motifs in these delightfully bright knee high socks. The orange and black color scheme makes me think of fall and Halloween and these socks are sheer perfection with boots! You’ll be working from the toe up using the stranded colorwork technique. The design features a short row heel.
Designer: Olga Radchuk for Knitty
Yarn: Lana Grossa Meilenweit Fashion Neon and Lana Grossa Meilenweit Merino Extrafine (Light Fingering Weight #0)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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8. Ellis Road
If the idea of cuff to toe colorwork makes you break out in hives, then maybe the Ellis Road socks will be more your style. Small sections of stranded colorwork along the cuff and just above the toe add a delightful accent that’s not too big of a commitment. The design is worked from the top down and it uses a short row heel construction along with a wedge toe design.
Designer: Jairlyn Mason for Knitty
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Sock (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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9. Lakeside
Adding lace elements to free knit knee high socks patterns really elevates the finished design. These stunning socks are a work of art, and they would be absolutely perfect for a special occasion. The design is worked from the top down with a wide toe and a heel flap. The built in elastic in the cuff will help you avoid wardrobe malfunction on your special day.
Designer: Julia Vaconsin for Knotions
Yarn: fonty BB Mérinos (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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10. Alternates
Sweet stripes are simplicity at its finest and an excellent choice for two color socks without much fuss. Thinner stripes especially are nice since you can get away without fastening off and reattaching yarn every time you switch colors. This design is worked from the toe up and it employs a heel flap.
Designer: With Wool
Yarn: Knit Picks Telemark (Sport Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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11. Celtic Red
Intertwining cables run from the cuffs of these enchanting knee high socks all the way down to the heel and along the top of the foot. The design is worked from the top down using the heel flap construction method. Both written and charted instructions are available. There are also helpful videos to help you out on the heel, toe, and cabling.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Karisma (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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12. Knee Bats
With Fall and Halloween right around the corner, there’s no time like the present to make these fun knee high socks with lace bats. These would be the perfect accessory to a vampire costume, or simply to throw on and cozy up in front of a good horror movie. The design is worked from the toe up.
Designer: Yarn Garden
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Sock (Light Fingering Weight #0)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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13. Little Women
Ribbon and lace detailing will make you feel like a princess when you wear these stunning knee high socks. Maybe it’s the white, but these socks also seem like they would be the perfect pick for a wedding, don’t you think? The design is worked from the top down and it calls for a short row heel.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Fabel (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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14. Anne Diamond Knee Socks
Eyelet lace is such an easy and effective way to dress up a pair of plain knee high socks. I especially like the diamond design shown here, and I like the placement along the outer edge of the calf. You can make this pattern by working from the toe up. The design calls for a short row heel.
Designer: Star Athena
Yarn: Schaefer Yarn Company Anne (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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15. Toe Socks
Am I the only one who remembers wearing toe socks? Equal parts funny and fun, knee high toe socks are simply a delight. Bold stripes and alternating colors on the toes also add to the joyous atmosphere. It’s like a party for your feet! This design is worked from the top down using the heel flap construction method.
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn: Patons North America Kroy Socks (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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16. Day of the Dead Socks
On the day of the dead, people dress up and gather together to pray for and remember the dead. A beautiful pair of hand knit socks is a welcome addition to any outfit. This design features a gorgeous hourglass ribbing stitch. You’ll be working from the toe up and working a short row heel.
Designer: The AntiCraft
Yarn: Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock Solid (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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17. Riverdance
These stunning knee high socks are ready for the stage. The pattern features an interlocking cable design and all over ribbing. There’s nothing like a new pair of socks to make you want to dance! This design is worked from the top down using the short row heel method. Both charted and written instructions are available.
Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Karisma (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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18. Smelly Socks
How can a freshly knit pair of socks be smelly? Well, these children’s knee high socks are actually based on a picture book with the same name. What a cute gift idea! The pattern features wide stripes in bold colors. You’ll be working from the toe up and using the short row heel method.
Designer: Own Two Hands
Yarn: Sandnes Garn Mandarin Petit (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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19. Big Fat Rib
Combine the cuteness of boot cuffs with the warm coziness of knee high socks for a look that’s as practical as it is pretty. This design features decorative oversized tops, but everything below the boots is slimmer and plain as it’ll be hidden anyway. You’ll be working these knit knee high socks two at a time from the toe up and using the short row heel method.
Designer: MiaKia
Yarn: Zwerger Garn Opal Regenwald Rainforest 6-fach 6-ply (Sport Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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20. Happy Heels
Looking for free knit knee high socks patterns that are unique? You are going to love the special heel design in these cute socks. The heels are designed to be extra comfy and more padded than traditional heels, while also being wear-resistant. Contrasting colors on the toe and heel help you stretch your yarn further so you only need 100g of the main color.
Designer: Froggi VanRiper
Yarn: (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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21. Elsa and Anna Snowflake Socks
Here’s another child size design for knit knee high socks. This one features a flurry of snowflakes. These socks are inspired by the movie Frozen, and they are sure to ignite your child’s imagination! The design even includes a clever trick to help the socks stay up. How intriguing!
Designer: Jenna Sykes
Yarn: Knit Picks Hawthorne Fingering (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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22. Fair Isle Twist Slipper Socks
Go big or go home with super bulky yarn, bold stranded colorwork, and fanciful twisted cords with tassels. These knee high slipper socks are just all around fun! The free knitting pattern is available in women’s shoe sizes 5/6 – 11/12. The design is worked from the top down and it uses the afterthought heel method.
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn: Bernat Softee Chunky (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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23. Soft Weekend Socks
If you can’t decide between cables and lace, then why not incorporate both? The pretty eyelet cable rib stitch pattern gives these knit knee high socks their wonderful texture. The pattern is knit starting from the unique turned toe, then it’s on to the unique turned heel and the rest of the leg. You’ll finish off with a 1×1 twisted rib stitch pattern for the cuff.
Designer: Diane Zangl for I Like Knitting
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Cuzco Cashmere (Sport Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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24. Kilravock
How about free knit knee high socks patterns for men? Yes, we have those too! These men’s socks are designed to be worn with a kilt, but I’m sure they would be just as cozy paired with any outfit. The design features a cabled fold over cuff and a ribbed leg for a snug fit. You’ll be working from the top down and using the gusset heel method.
Designer: Sharon Rose for Knitty
Yarn: Schoeller+Stahl Fortissima Socka (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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25. Julian’s Stripy Socks
Last but not least we have a fun and colorful pattern for knitting knee high socks for babies. With worsted weight yarn and a larger set of circular needles, you’ll have these on and off your needles before you know it. You’ll be working from the top down and using gusset construction for the heels.
Designer: The Knitty Professors
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Cascade 220® (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting pattern!
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You’ll Also Love This Video Tutorial:
Can’t get enough free sock knitting patterns? Check out 25 more here!
If you make any of these free knit knee high socks patterns then you are sure to be cozy and cute all through fall and winter. Now for the hard part….which pattern will you decide to make? Let me know in the comments below!
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I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3
Be sure to check out my free knitting patterns here!
Happy Knitting!
Amanda
